How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a nuisance. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient replacements windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

It's a task you can tackle yourself at only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your old home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace the replacement window pane pane. You will also need an extra window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces remaining. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers though using flathead screwdrivers can be used in a pinch. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the remaining old putty from the frame and the sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to damage the old window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone on the ground to keep it in place.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new pane after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to seal it against weather. Install a glazier's point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, but they also shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into a window frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Knowing how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the dimensions of the frame. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it in place with your hand. Make use of the chisel's point, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves and edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. The majority of windows can be repaired easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them up first. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

After the old glazing points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior Windowreplacement to pressing it in the sash. In other cases, you'll need to putty over the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It won't make a strong seal and could leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. However, replacing a single glass windows replacement pane doesn't have to break the bank If you can do it yourself. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and speedy.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead or glazing glue which hardens into an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the points.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. To get the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can take these measurements to a hardware store or home improvement store and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and move it around until a 1/16 inch of putty remains between the edge of the glass and the sash on all four sides. Use a putty knife to smear the putty evenly, making sure that there isn't an excessive amount of excess putty in the corners and along the edges. When the putty dries, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.